Where to find your driving record online or by mail
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — in some states it's called the Department of Public Safety or the Motor Vehicle Administration. You can request your record directly from that agency, and most states now let you check it online through their official website without paying a fee.
To find your state's DMV website, search "[your state] DMV driving record" or "[your state] motor vehicle record." Once you're on the official site, look for a link labeled "Check Your Driving Record," "View Your Record," or "Order Your Driving History." You'll need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you can view or print your record when ready.
If you prefer not to go online, you can visit your local DMV office in person with your driver's license and a form of payment. Some states also let you request your record by mail — you'll fill out a form (usually available on the DMV website), mail it with a check or money order, and receive your record by mail within one to three weeks. Call your state DMV to confirm the current fee, which varies by state.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record is maintained by your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency and shows violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points you've accumulated.
- Most states offer free online access to your own driving record through their official DMV website — no fee required to view it yourself.
- You can also request your record in person at a DMV office or by mail, though these methods may charge a small fee and take longer.
- Check your record regularly to catch errors, verify that old violations have been removed after the required time, and know what insurers and employers will see.
What appears on your driving record
Your driving record contains a history of violations you've received while driving in that state. This includes traffic citations (speeding, running a red light, improper lane change), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI or DWI convictions, and points assigned by the state for each violation. Some records also show insurance-related events, such as when your license was suspended for driving without insurance.
The record does not include arrests that did not result in a conviction, parking tickets (which are handled separately), or violations from other states — though some states participate in the Driver License Compact, which shares violation information between states. Your record also does not show your driving habits in general; it shows only the events that were reported to the DMV by law enforcement or courts.
Points accumulate based on the severity of each violation. A minor speeding ticket might add one or two points, while a reckless driving charge or DUI can add four to six points or more. Once you reach a certain threshold — usually 12 to 15 points, depending on your state and age — your license may be suspended. Points typically expire after a set period, usually three to five years, though serious violations like DUI may stay on your record longer.
How long violations stay on your record
The length of time a violation remains on your driving record depends on the type of violation and your state's rules. Minor traffic violations like speeding or improper lane change typically stay on your record for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving, DUI, or hit-and-run usually remain for five to ten years or longer. A few states keep DUI convictions on your record permanently, though the points may expire after a certain time.
Even after points expire and no longer count toward a license suspension, the violation itself may still appear on your record — it just won't affect your driving privileges or insurance rates. Some states allow you to request that old violations be removed or hidden from your record after a certain period, but this is not automatic. Check your state's DMV website or call to learn the specific rules for your state and whether you need to take any action to have old violations removed.
Why you should check your record regularly
Errors on your driving record are not uncommon. A violation might be recorded under the wrong date, a ticket might be listed twice, or a violation from another state might appear on your record by mistake. These errors can affect your insurance rates, your ability to renew your license, or your may be able to access for certain jobs. Checking your record every year or two gives you a chance to spot and correct these mistakes before they cause problems.
Your record also affects your insurance premiums. Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for a policy and when you renew, so knowing what's on it helps you understand why your rates are what they are. If you've had violations removed from your record after the required time has passed, you may be able to shop for better rates once those violations no longer appear.
Employers and other organizations may also request your driving record. If you drive for work — whether as a professional driver, delivery driver, or in any role where driving is part of your job — your employer will likely check your record. Knowing what's on it before they do lets you explain any violations if needed and understand whether your record might affect your job prospects.
How to correct errors on your driving record
If you find an error on your record, contact your state's DMV directly. Most states have a process for disputing inaccurate information. You'll typically need to submit a written request explaining the error, along with supporting documents — such as a copy of the ticket showing the correct date, a court document proving a violation was dismissed, or a letter from law enforcement correcting the violation.
Send your dispute to the address listed on your state's DMV website, usually the Records or Corrections department. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The DMV will investigate your claim, which usually takes two to four weeks. If they find the error, they'll correct your record and send you an updated copy.
If a violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty in court, bring a copy of the court order to your local DMV office or mail it to the Records department. Courts sometimes don't report dismissals to the DMV automatically, so you may need to provide the proof yourself. Once the DMV receives the court order, they should remove the violation from your record.
Understanding points and license suspension
Each state assigns a point value to different violations. When you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, your license is suspended — meaning you cannot legally drive. The number of points that triggers a suspension varies by state and sometimes by age. In many states, 12 points in 12 months results in a suspension, but some states use 15 points in 24 months or other thresholds.
A suspension is temporary; once the suspension period ends (usually 30 to 90 days), you can explore to have your license reinstated. However, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver safety course, or pass a written or driving test. A revocation is more serious — it means your license is canceled entirely, and you must reapply for a new license after a waiting period, which can be six months to several years depending on the reason for revocation.
Points expire after a set time without new violations. In most states, points drop off your record after three to five years, meaning they no longer count toward a suspension. However, the violation itself may still appear on your record even after points expire. Some states offer point reduction programs — such as completing a defensive driving course — that can lower your point total when ready.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended, you'll receive a notice from your state's DMV explaining the reason, the length of the suspension, and what you need to do to get it reinstated. Read this notice carefully and follow the instructions exactly. Most suspensions require you to wait out the suspension period, then submit a reinstatement request and pay a fee to the DMV.
Some suspensions can be lifted early if you meet certain conditions — for example, if your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines, paying those fines may allow you to reinstate your license when ready. If your suspension was due to too many points, you might be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce your point total below the suspension threshold, which could allow reinstatement without waiting.
A revocation is permanent until you meet the conditions set by your state. For a DUI revocation, you may need to wait a set period (often one to three years), complete an alcohol education program, and pass a written and driving test before you can reapply. Contact your state's DMV to understand the exact steps and timeline for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to check my driving record?
Checking your own record online through your state's DMV website is free in most states. If you request it in person or by mail, there may be a small fee — usually between $5 and $20, depending on your state. Call your state's DMV or check their website to confirm the current fee.
Can I see what my insurance company sees when they check my record?
Your insurance company sees a version of your driving record, but not always the exact same version you see. Insurance companies may see violations that have been removed from your official record, and they may use their own scoring system to calculate how violations affect your rates. Request your record from the DMV to see what the state has on file, then ask your insurance company directly what they see and how it affects your rates.
How do I remove a violation from my record?
You cannot remove a violation before the time set by your state has passed. Once the required time has passed — usually three to five years for minor violations — the violation may drop off automatically, or you may need to request removal. Check your state's DMV website or call to learn whether removal is automatic or requires a written request.
Will a violation from another state show up on my record?
If you received a violation in another state, it may appear on your record if that state reports it to your home state through the Driver License Compact. Not all states participate in this system, so it depends on which states are involved. Check your record to see what's listed, or contact your state's DMV to ask whether violations from a specific state are reported.
What happens if I find an error but the DMV says it's correct?
If you disagree with the DMV's response, you can request a formal hearing or appeal. The process varies by state, but most states allow you to request a hearing before an administrative judge to dispute the record. Contact your state's DMV to learn the appeal process and any important date for filing.